Welcome to Rappler, a social news network where stories inspire community engagement and digitally fuelled actions for social change. Rappler comes from the root words "rap" (to discuss) + "ripple" (to make waves).

TOKYO, Japan – Middle school students jump into a fountain to cool down at a park in central in Tokyo, July 8, 2013. A heat wave is hitting Japan as the rainy season ended earlier than usual almost all over the country. Temperatures soared to 35 degrees Celsius in Tokyo and reached 38 degrees Celsius in central Japan. Photo by Franck Robichon/EPA

TOKYO, Japan – Sweltering temperatures and scorching sunshine have killed 3 people and sent more than 2,500 to hospital across Japan in a week, the government said Tuesday, July 9.

The mercury hit 39.1 Celsius in Yamanashi in the center of the country on Tuesday, while dozens of other spots recorded temperatures of 35 Celsius or more.

A total of 2,594 people were hospitalised in the first week of July due to the effects of heat, with 3 of them dying, the fire and disaster management agency said in a report.

More than 42 percent of them were aged 65 or older, the agency said.

Incidents of children being hospitalized after outdoor school events were also recorded.

News reports feature frequent reminders to drink plenty of fluids and avoid prolonged periods outdoors, in what has become a regular feature of the sticky summer months.

The heatwave struck nationwide this week with high-pressure systems sitting over the Japanese archipelago, bringing an earlier-than-usual end to the rainy season. – Rappler.com

Would you like to share your vote?

Welcome to Rappler, a social news network where stories inspire community engagement and digitally fuelled actions for social change. Rappler comes from the root words "rap" (to discuss) + "ripple" (to make waves).